Logitech touts Harmony One remote control

CES Logitech has expanded its universal remote control range and launched the Harmony One universal commander, sorry, remote.

Despite looking like something that God might use to control his TV, its most unique feature is a 2.2in colour screen. It has numerous options, such as for playing a DVD, but responds to tiny electrical charges from users’ fingertips, instead of touch pressure, which Logitech claims makes it more durable than traditional touch screens.

But you'll need to go online before you turn the telly on - all new users must first connect the remote to their PC and, via Logitech’s website, key in the model numbers of all their remotely controlled gadgets into Logitech’s online database. After this, all relevant control information is downloaded to the remote.

The curvaceous remote’s buttons are divided into zones for numbers, traditional DVD controls, a D-pad with volume and channel adjustment, and on-screen menu buttons. Each button is also supposedly individually sculpted, with the hope of allowing users to find them by touch, rather than sight.

Fit for your hand?

It’s powered by an internal rechargeable battery pack, but that won’t stop it from getting lodged down the back of the sofa.

Logitech’s Harmony One remote is available in the US and Europe next month for $250 (£125/€165), but a European price hasn’t been given yet.